Footwear having a window for visual sizing

ABSTRACT

Footwear having a window for visual sizing comprises a shoe having an upper portion, a window portion associated with the upper portion, the window portion for allowing viewing of a foot inserted into the shoe, and a tab portion for covering and uncovering the window portion.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. PatentApplication Ser. No. 09/903,913, filed on Jul. 12, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to footwear having visual sizing and moreparticularly to footwear having a window for visual sizing that is usedto determine the proper fit of a foot within the footwear.

[0003] In order to determine the proper fit of a shoe, most notably achildren's shoe, a parent or salesperson initially employs a device tosize the child's foot. Once the size is determined, one or more pairs ofshoes of that particular size are tried on by the child. The child isallowed to walk around with the shoes on to see if the fit is proper orif there are any other obvious sizing problems. Additionally, a fingeror thumb is pressed against the top of the shoe to verify that there isroom between the toes of the child and the tip of the shoe. Assuming aproper fitting pair of shoes is found and purchased, the child isallowed to wear the shoes. However, over time the child's feet grow andthe parent is left with the task of determining when the shoes do notfit properly. One method for determining whether the shoe has beenoutgrown is to again use the finger pressure method and press againstthe shoe to feel if there is still room within the shoe. As can beappreciated, such finger method is disadvantageous for various reasons.One reason is that the method is not accurate and the shoes may be wornfor a longer period of time than desired. Another reason that thismethod is not acceptable is due to the constant testing and retestingrequired.

[0004] There are other known devices which use a transparent soleportion in order to view a foot inside a shoe from bottom of the sole ofthe shoe. However, such devices have not been particularly successful oracceptable probably due to the inability to properly determine the fitof a shoe when a person is in a weight bearing position. Further, suchshoes may be expensive and complicated to produce. Another problemassociated with such known devices is that the reference markings, whichare used to determine proper fit, are not associated with a foot. Inother words, due to the wearing of the shoe, the reference markings maynot be properly aligned due to the placement or positioning of suchmarkings.

[0005] Also, there have been devices that use a transparent portionincorporated within a shoe to view a foot inserted into the shoe.Typically, there are reference markings associated with the transparentportion to gauge a proper fit of a foot. Again, such devices have notbeen successful or acceptable possibly due to the poor aesthetics ofhaving a sock or a foot visible during use.

[0006] The present invention is designed to obviate and overcome many ofthe disadvantages and shortcomings associated with properly fittingshoes and maintaining a proper fit during use of the shoes. Inparticular, the present invention is footwear having a window for visualsizing that may be easily constructed and installed in shoes. Further,the footwear has a tab portion that covers and uncovers the window.Moreover, the present invention provides a visual indication as towhether the shoe is initially the proper size and fit and then duringuse of the shoe whether the shoe is too small to be worn. Once the shoehas become overgrown by the foot of the wearer, the footwear having awindow for visual sizing will easily indicate that the shoe needs to bereplaced with a larger size.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In one form of the present invention, footwear having a windowfor visual sizing comprises a shoe having an upper portion, a windowportion associated with the upper portion, the window portion forallowing viewing of a foot inserted into the shoe, and a tab portion forcovering and uncovering the window portion.

[0008] In another form of the present invention, footwear having awindow for visual sizing comprises a shoe having an upper portion havinga side, a sole portion, and an insole liner, a transparent portionassociated with the side of the upper portion, the transparent portionfor allowing viewing of a foot inserted into the shoe, and a tab portionfor covering and uncovering the transparent portion.

[0009] In yet another form of the present invention, footwear having awindow for visual sizing comprises a shoe having an upper portion havinga side and a rear, a sole portion, and an insole liner, a window portionassociated with the rear of the upper portion, the window portion forallowing viewing of a foot inserted into the shoe, and a tab portion forcovering and uncovering the window portion.

[0010] In light of the foregoing comments, it will be recognized that aprincipal object of the present invention is to provide footwear havinga window for visual sizing device which is of simple construction anddesign and which can be easily employed with highly reliable results.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide footwearhaving a window for visual sizing which allows for monitoring of thegrowth of a foot within the footwear.

[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide footwearhaving a window for visual sizing which is capable of being manufacturedusing commonly available components and materials that are relativelyinexpensive.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide footwearhaving a window for visual sizing that requires little or no maintenanceand is constructed using durable parts or components.

[0014] A still further object of the present invention is to providefootwear having a window for visual sizing which indicates when footwearhas become too small and a proper fit is no longer available.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide footwearhaving a window for visual sizing that has a tab portion for coveringand uncovering the window.

[0016] Still, another object of the present invention is to providefootwear having multiple windows for visual sizing with each of thewindows having a tab portion for covering and uncovering each of thewindows.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide footwearfor visual sizing that is aesthetically pleasing and acceptable.

[0018] These and other objects and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent after considering the following detailedspecification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of footwearhaving a window for visual sizing constructed according to the presentinvention;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a partial top view of the footwear having a window forvisual sizing shown in FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a partial top view of the footwear having a window forvisual sizing with a tab portion in an uncovering state;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a partial top view of another preferred embodiment offootwear having a window for visual sizing constructed according to thepresent invention;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of another preferred embodimentof footwear having a window for visual sizing constructed according tothe present invention;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of another preferred embodimentof footwear having a window for visual sizing constructed according tothe present invention;

[0025]FIG. 7 is a top view of an insole liner used in footwear having awindow for visual sizing;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a top view of an insole liner used in footwear having awindow for visual sizing;

[0027]FIG. 9 is a top view of an insole liner used in footwear having awindow for visual sizing;

[0028]FIG. 10 is a top view of an insole liner used in footwear having awindow for visual sizing; and

[0029]FIG. 11 is a partial top view of another preferred embodiment offootwear having a window for visual sizing constructed according to thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to likeitems, number 10 identifies a preferred embodiment of footwear having awindow for visual sizing constructed according to the present invention.With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the footwear having a window forvisual sizing 10 is shown incorporated within a shoe 12. The shoe 12 isillustrated as an athletic shoe, however, as can be appreciated, anyother footwear may be used and of any size including children's, teens,and adults. The shoe 12 includes an upper portion 14 and a sole portion16. The upper portion 14 may further include other parts such as anouter shell 18, a tip portion 20, a vamp 22, eyelets 24, a tongue 26,and a collar 28. The sole portion 16 may consist of an outsole 30 havingtread 32 on its bottom surface.

[0031] The footwear 10 also comprises a tab portion 34 positionedbetween the tip portion 20 and the vamp 22 of the upper portion 14. Thetab portion 34 is a flap that is adapted to cover a window portion (notshown) that is hidden by the tab portion 34. The tab portion 34 mayconsist of a flap or portion of material that is similar to the materialfrom which the outer shell 18 is constructed.

[0032]FIG. 3 shows a partial top view of the footwear having a windowfor visual sizing 10 with the tab portion 34 being pulled away from theshoe 12. The tab portion 34 is in an uncovering position and a windowportion 36 is now visible. The window portion 36 may be made of atransparent or translucent material. The material should be durable,resistant to wear, flexible, and resilient. The window portion 36provides viewing into the interior of the shoe 12 from the upper portion14. The shoe 12 further comprises an insole liner 38 having printed orpositioned thereon a reference mark or marking 40. The reference marking40 may take many forms, as will be discussed further herein. Although areference marking 40 has been described, it should be understood that noreference marks or markings may be used. In particular, it is possibleand contemplated that the viewing of a foot through the window portion36 is enough to judge whether the footwear 10 will provide a proper fit.Another area or portion 42 of the insole liner 38 indicates the areawithin which proper fit or sizing of a foot (not shown) would be. When afoot has grown past the portion 42 and into the area of the referencemarking 40, this indicates that the shoe 12 does not or will not fitproperly. As can be appreciated, a foot may be viewed through the windowportion 36 anytime when the shoe 12 is being worn and the tab portion 34has been pulled away from the shoe 12. Once a sizing operation has beencompleted, the tab portion 34 is placed back over the window portion 36to cover the window portion 36. The footwear 10 is capable of being usedto determine the correct or proper size at purchase and subsequently toindicate the time at which a replacement pair of shoes needs to bepurchased. Although one shoe 12 has been shown, it is contemplated thatboth pairs of shoes will have incorporated therein the tab portion 34and the window portion 36 or the tab portion 34, the window portion 36,and the reference marking 40.

[0033] The tab portion 34 has a portion of material 44 which is sizedand shaped to cover the window portion 36. Along an outer edge 46 of theportion 44 is attached or placed a section of mating material 48. Thesection 48 is capable of mating with another section of mating material50 that is attached to the shoe 12 around a perimeter of the windowportion 36. In this manner, the tab portion 34 is capable of covering oruncovering the window portion 36. An edge 52 of the tab portion 34 maybe connected to the shoe 12 or the tab portion 34 may be constructed tocompletely pull away from or be removable from the shoe 12. If the tabportion 34 is adapted to being pulled off of the shoe, the edge 52 mayalso include a portion of the section of the mating material 48 and theshoe 12 may further include a portion of the section of the matingmaterial 50. The sections of mating material 48 and 50 may be hook andloop fastening material or other suitable mating or fastening means ormethods. Other examples of mating or fastening means or methods arezippers, snaps, buttons, adhesives, and seals.

[0034]FIG. 4 shows a partial top view of another embodiment of footwearhaving a window for visual sizing 60 constructed according to thepresent invention. The footwear having a window for visual sizing 60 isincorporated within a shoe 62 with the shoe 62 having an upper portion64, a pair of window portions 66 and 68, a pair of tab portions 70 and72, and an insole liner 74. The insole liner 74 has printed thereon areference marking 76. The reference marking 76 is used to indicate whena foot (not shown) has outgrown the shoe 62. For example, when a foothas grown into the area bounded by the reference marking 74 it is timeto replace the shoe 62. Further, when initially sizing the shoe 62, if afoot is not beyond the reference marking 74, this is an indication thatthe shoe 62 is properly sized. The window portion 66 allows for viewingone side or toe of a foot and the other window portion 68 provides forviewing another side or toe of a foot. In this manner, a betterdetermination as to size and fit may be accomplished. The windowportions 66 and 68 may each be comprised of a transparent or translucentmaterial. The window portions 66 and 68 provide viewing into theinterior of the shoe 62.

[0035] The tab portions 70 and 72 are sized and shaped to match the sizeand shape of the window portions 66 and 68. The tab portion 70 has asection of mating material 78 which is adapted to mate with a section ofmating material 80 associated with or around the window portion 66. Thetab portion 72 also has a section of mating material 82 that may bemated to a section of mating material 84 that is positioned around thewindow portion 68. As discussed above, the sections of mating material78, 80, 82, and 84 may be hook and loop fastening material or othersuitable mating or fastening means or methods. In this manner, the tabportions 70 and 72 may be employed to cover and uncover the windowportions 66 and 68. The tab portions 70 and 72 may be attached to theshoe 62 or may be removable from the shoe 62. It is also possible thatthe tab portions 70 and 72 be of different colors, shapes, or designs.Also, as discussed previously, it is also possible not to include anyreference marking 76.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 5, a side perspective view of anotherpreferred embodiment of footwear having a window for visual sizing 100is depicted. The footwear 100 comprises a shoe 102 having an upperportion 104 and a sole portion 106. The upper portion 104 may furtherinclude various other parts or components such as an outer shell 108, atip portion 110, a vamp 112, eyelets 114, a tongue 116, a collar 118,and a counter 120. The sole portion 106 may consist of an outsole 122, amidsole 124, and tread 126. The footwear 100 further comprises a windowportion 128 which may be formed in the tip portion 110, the vamp 112, orthe side of the shoe 102. The window portion 128 may be constructed froma transparent or translucent material. The window portion 128 providesfor viewing into the interior of the shoe 102 from the tip portion 110or the side of the shoe 102. Although not shown, it is also possible forthe shoe 102 to further include an insole liner which has printed orassociated therewith a reference marking. The window portion 128 allowsa side view of a foot inserted into the shoe 102 and when a foot hasgrown past the reference marking the shoe 102 needs to be replaced.

[0037] The footwear 100 further comprises a tab portion 130 associatedwith the window portion 128. The tab portion 130 may be sized and shapedto match the size and shape of the window portion 128. The windowportion 128 also has a section of mating material 132 that is adapted tomate with a section of mating material 134 that has been attached to thetab portion 130. As previously discussed, the tab portion 130 is used tocover or uncover the window portion 128. The tab portion 130 isillustrated in the uncovered state in FIG. 5. The sections of matingmaterial 132 and 134 are used to hold the tab portion 130 in place.Although not shown, it is also possible to have another window portion128 and a corresponding tab portion 130 on the other side of the shoe102.

[0038]FIG. 6 illustrates another preferred embodiment of footwear havinga window for visual sizing 150 that comprises an upper portion 152 and asole portion 154. The footwear 150 has a front 156 and a back 158 withthe front 156 having a window portion 160 that is covered by a tabportion 162 and the back 158 having a window portion 164 that is coveredby a tab portion 166. The window portions 160 and 164 may be constructedof a transparent or translucent material. The window portions 160 and164 allow for viewing into the interior of the footwear 150. The windowportions 160 and 164 also allow for viewing whether the back or heel ofa foot is properly positioned within the footwear 150. Although shown inFIG. 6 as having the window portion 160 on the top of the upper portion152, it is also possible and contemplated that the window portion 160may be positioned on a side of the upper portion 152 of the footwear150. Further, it is also possible to only have the window portion 164and not the window portion 160. In this construction, it will bepossible to determine whether the heel of the foot is sized orpositioned properly.

[0039] The tab portions 162 and 166 may be sized and shaped to match thesize and shape of the respective window portions 160 and 164. The tabportions are shown covering the window portions 160 and 164. Due to thestate of closure of the tab portions 162 and 166, sections of matingmaterial (not shown) are hidden. However, the window portions 160 and164 and the respective tab portions 162 and 166 all have a section ofmating material for closing and securing the tab portions 162 and 166 inplace, as has been previously described. Further, the footwear 150 mayalso have an insole liner (not shown) with the liner having referencemarkings at the front 156 and the back 158 of the shoe 152. Once the tabportions 162 and 166 are opened or pulled away from the shoe 152, thewindow portions 160 and 164 are used to view inside the shoe 152.Viewing into the window portion 160 ensures that the front of a foot issized properly and viewing into the window portion 164 allows for thedetermination that the heel of a foot is positioned correctly.

[0040]FIG. 7 shows an insole liner 200 which may be inserted into ormanufactured as part of footwear having a window for visual sizing. Theinsole liner 200 is sized and shaped to fit within footwear. The liner200 comprises a reference mark or marking 202 which may take the form ofa line or a region 204 may be printed one color and another region 206may be printed another color. In this manner, a foot inserted intofootwear, such as footwear 10, 60, 100, or 150, may be viewed throughthe respective window portions 36, 66, 68, 128, 160, or 164, todetermine if initially the fit is proper and subsequently if the fit isimproper. For example, if the region 204 is visible, then this indicatesa proper fit. If it is noticed that toes encroach upon the region 204then an improper fit is indicated. The region 206 may be used to confirmthat the initial fit is such that toes are well within the region 206.This would indicate that there is plenty of room for foot growth.Various different colors may be used for the regions 204 and 206. Forexample, the color red may be used for the region 204 and the colorgreen may be used for the region 206. Further, the intersection betweenthe regions 204 and 206 may be curved to follow the natural outline of afoot.

[0041] The insole liner 200 is constructed of a thick fabric materialand may have an upper surface sock lining 208. The insole liner 200 maybe used to separate a foot from the other components of the sole portionof the shoe. The sock lining 208 is generally conventional and includesa fabric cover overlying a cushioning material (not shown) such as foam.The sock lining 208 may have printed thereon or incorporated therein theregions 204 and 206. Additionally, it is also possible that that insoleliner 200 be a one piece structure or construction.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 8, another insole liner 220 is illustrated.The liner 220 includes reference markings 222, 224, 226, 228, and 230 aspart of the liner 220. The reference markings 222, 224, 226, 228, and230 take the form of circles that simulate toes of a foot. Whenever oneor more toes covers or begins to cover one of the reference markings222, 224, 226, 228, and 230, this indicates that a proper fit is notlonger available. Additionally, the reference markings 222, 224, 226,228, and 230 may be of one or several different colors or patterns and aregion 232 may be of another color.

[0043]FIG. 9 shows another example of an insole liner 240 that includesreference markings 242, 244, 246, 248, and 250. The reference markings242, 244, 246, and 248 are illustrated as being numerals and thereference marking 250 is shown as being a letter. Again, the referencemarkings allow a visual indication of the proper fit or size offootwear. The reference markings 242, 244, 246, 248, and 250 may be ofone or several different colors or patterns and a region 252 may be ofanother color that provides for definition between the referencemarkings 242, 244, 246, 248, and 250 and the region 252.

[0044] With reference now to FIG. 10, an insole liner 260 is shown whichmay be used in conjunction with the footwear 150. In particular, theliner 260 has a front portion 262 and a rear portion 264. The frontportion 262 includes reference markings 266 and 268 and the rear portion264 includes a reference marking 270. The insole liner 260 further has aregion 272. The reference markings 266 and 268 are visible through thewindow portion 160 of the footwear 150 when the tab portion 162 isuncovering the window portion 160 and the reference marking 270 isvisible through the window portion 164 when the tab portion 166 isuncovering the window portion 164. In this manner it can be insured thata heel of a foot is placed all the way back toward the back 158 of thefootwear 150. The reference markings 266 and 268 may be used to indicatewhen a foot has grown from the region 272 into the region where thereference marking 266 is found. Once a foot reaches into the region ofthe reference marking 268, it will be known that new footwear will berequired.

[0045]FIG. 11 illustrates another preferred embodiment of footwearhaving a window for visual sizing 300 constructed according to thepresent invention. The footwear having a window for visual sizing 300 isshown incorporated within a shoe 302. The shoe 302 is illustrated as anathletic shoe, however, as previously discussed, any other footwear maybe used and of any size including children's, teens, and adults. Theshoe 302 includes an upper portion 304 and a sole portion 306. The upperportion 304 may include other components such as an outer shell 308, atip portion 310, and a vamp 312. The footwear may also have a tabportion 314 positioned between the tip portion 310 and the vamp 312 ofthe upper portion 304. The tab portion 314 is a flap that is adapted tocover a window portion (not shown) that is hidden by the tab portion314. The tab portion 314 may consist of a flap or portion of materialthat is similar to the material from which the outer shell 308 isconstructed. The tab portion 314 also has a pull portion or a pull tab316 which is used to pull the tab portion 314 away from the upperportion 304. The pull portion 316 may be a loop of material or a portionof material that is easily grasped for facilitating opening and closingof the tab portion 314. As has been previously described, the tabportion 314 may include mating material that is adapted to mate withanother section of mating material that is attached to the upper portion304 around a perimeter of a window portion. In this manner, the tabportion 314 may be opened or closed by use of the pull portion 316 andthe mating material. It is also possible that the tab portion 314 may becompletely removable from the upper portion 304.

[0046] As indicated previously, the reference markings 266 and 268 maybe different colors and are certainly a different color than that of theregion 272. The reference marking 270 may be a different color than thatof the region 272. Further, it is also possible and contemplated to usethe reference markings 202, 222-230, or 242, 244, 246, 248, and 250 inplace of the reference markings 266 and 268. The reference markings maytake other forms, such as an outline of a foot, an outline of the toes,pictures, symbols, or holograms.

[0047] It should be recognized that footwear having a window for visualsizing 10, 60, 100, and 150 of the present invention can be constructedof various materials and can be assembled from separable components orformed as a unitary construction. Preferably, the footwear 10, 60, 100,and 150 will be constructed of relatively lightweight materials. Thewindow portions may be constructed of various materials such as leather,rubber, plastic, vinyl, polymethacrylate, polyurethane, polycarbonate,or polyvinyl chloride. Although the window portions and the tab portionshave been depicted using various geometric forms, it should berecognized that the window portions and the tab portions of the presentinvention may take many different forms and shapes.

[0048] Further, the window portions 36, 66, 68, 128, 160, and 164 weredescribed as being transparent or translucent, it is also possible andcontemplated that the window portions be formed or constructed frommaterials which are unidirectional which allow viewing into the shoe atone or various angles. Additionally, the window portions may include oneor more prisms to enhance the aesthetics of the shoe.

[0049] From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thusbeen shown and described herein footwear having a window for visualsizing which fulfills the various objects and advantages soughttherefor. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art, however,that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses andapplications of the subject footwear having a window for visual sizingare possible and contemplated. All changes, modifications, variations,and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit andscope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention, whichis limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. Footwear having a window for visual sizingcomprising: a shoe having an upper portion; a window portion associatedwith the upper portion, the window portion for allowing viewing of afoot inserted into the shoe; and a tab portion for covering anduncovering the window portion.
 2. The footwear of claim 1 furthercomprising a second window portion associated with the upper portion anda second tab portion for covering and uncovering the second windowportion, the second window portion for allowing viewing of a footinserted into the shoe.
 3. The footwear of claim 1 wherein the shoefurther comprises an insole liner and the insole liner having areference mark associated with the insole liner, the reference mark forindicating proper fit of the shoe when a foot is inserted into the shoeand viewed through the window portion when the window portion isuncovered.
 4. The footwear of claim 1 wherein the tab portion isconnected to the shoe.
 5. The footwear of claim 1 wherein the tabportion comprises a pull portion.
 6. The footwear of claim 1 wherein thetab portion is removable from the shoe.
 7. Footwear having a window forvisual sizing comprising: a shoe having an upper portion having a side,a sole portion, and an insole liner; a transparent portion associatedwith the side of the upper portion, the transparent portion for allowingviewing of a foot inserted into the shoe; and a tab portion for coveringand uncovering the transparent portion.
 8. The footwear of claim 7wherein the tab portion comprises a section of mating material.
 9. Thefootwear of claim 7 wherein the tab portion is connected to the upperportion.
 10. The footwear of claim 7 wherein the tab portion comprises apull portion.
 11. The footwear of claim 7 wherein the insole linercomprises a reference mark with the reference mark for indicating properfit of the shoe when a foot is inserted into the shoe and viewed throughthe transparent portion when the transparent portion is uncovered. 12.The footwear of claim 11 wherein the reference mark has a first regionand a second region.
 13. The footwear of claim 11 wherein the referencemark comprises a first marking, a second marking, and a third marking.14. Footwear having a window for visual sizing comprising: a shoe havingan upper portion having a side and a rear, a sole portion, and an insoleliner; a window portion associated with the rear of the upper portion,the window portion for allowing viewing of a foot inserted into theshoe; and a tab portion for covering and uncovering the window portion.15. The footwear of claim 14 further comprising a second window portionassociated with the side of the upper portion and a second tab portionfor covering and uncovering the second window portion, the second windowportion for allowing viewing of a foot inserted into the shoe.
 16. Thefootwear of claim 14 wherein the insole liner comprises a reference markwith the reference mark for indicating proper fit of the shoe when afoot is inserted into the shoe and viewed through the window portionwhen the window portion is uncovered.
 17. The footwear of claim 14further comprising a second window portion associated with the upperportion and a tab portion for covering and uncovering the second windowportion, the second window portion for allowing viewing of a footinserted into the shoe when the second window portion is uncovered. 18.The footwear of claim 14 wherein the tab portion comprises a pullportion.
 19. The footwear of claim 14 wherein the tab portion isremovable from the shoe.
 20. The footwear of claim 14 wherein the tabportion comprises a portion of mating material.